Ambon Runner Matheos Berhitu to Compete in Jordan Ultra Marathon

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Ambon ultra-marathon runner Matheos Berhitu is preparing to compete in a 1,350-kilometer ultra-marathon race across Jordan, scheduled to take place from June 5 to July 7, 2026, after the event was rescheduled due to extreme weather conditions.

Berhitu, who comes from Ambon City in Maluku Province, said on Wednesday, February 4, that he is currently undergoing an intensive training program ahead of the prestigious endurance race, which is officially listed in the Guinness World Records.

“I ask for prayers and support from all Indonesians, especially the people of Ambon, so that I can compete well and complete this race to the best of my ability,” Berhitu said, as quoted by Antara.

He explained that the ultra-marathon was originally planned for 2024 but had to be postponed due to extreme weather conditions that made it unsafe to execute. The competition has since been rescheduled and will finally take place in mid-2026.

Berhitu stated that he feels physically and mentally prepared for the challenge and hopes to deliver his best performance to bring pride to Indonesia, particularly Maluku Province and Ambon City, on the international stage.

The ultra-marathon in Jordan is known as one of the most demanding endurance races in the world. The route crosses desert regions with extreme terrain, where daytime temperatures can exceed 40 degrees Celsius, while nighttime temperatures drop significantly.

Strong winds, limited vegetation, and long stretches of rocky and sandy terrain require exceptional physical endurance, careful energy management, and strict hydration strategies from participants.

These geographical and climatic conditions mean the race not only tests long-distance running ability but also challenges athletes’ mental resilience, adaptability, and ability to maintain health throughout a competition lasting more than a month.

Despite the challenges, Berhitu is widely recognized as one of Indonesia’s accomplished ultra-marathon runners. Among his notable achievements is winning the Ultra Marathon Peninsula 2021 in Malaysia, one of the world’s longest-distance running competitions.

In that month-long race, Berhitu covered a total distance of 2,234 kilometers, running from the tip of the Malaysian Peninsula and finishing in Kuala Lumpur.

Support for Berhitu has also come from the Maluku Provincial Administration. Maluku Youth and Sports Office Head Sandy Wattimena expressed appreciation and backing for Berhitu’s participation in the international ultra-marathon event.

“Matheos Berhitu is a source of pride for Maluku. His participation in the ultra-marathon in Jordan proves that sons of Maluku are capable of competing at the global level. We hope he stays healthy, remains focused, and helps make Maluku and Indonesia better known internationally,” Sandy said.

He added that the Maluku Provincial Administration remains committed to encouraging and supporting high-performing regional athletes to compete in national and international events as part of sustainable sports development in the province. ***